COLLEGE CREDIT
IN HIGH SCHOOL
High school students have a few different options when it comes to earning college credit. The most common methods are dual credit classes and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. By taking these classes, students can start their college education early, save money, and impress college admissions officers.
Earning college credits while still in high school has many benefits. It shows initiative to colleges, increases the chances of acceptance into their desired college or university, and allows students to explore their interests or try new subjects. In addition, getting a head start on college credits can help students graduate faster and save money on their college education.
Dual Credit: A high school student enrolls in a college course and receives simultaneous academic credit for the course from both the college and the high school.
DC classes are taken through a local college. These classes are taken at your high school during the school day with either a certified teacher or a professor sent by the college.
Advance Placement (AP): College-level coursework taken in high school. Colleges credit students who complete the course and pass the corresponding AP exams.
AP classes are taken through a rigorous curriculum with specially trained teachers.
CLEP: A flexible college credit option and an excellent way for more students to get a head start on college.
CLEP exams are an excellent option for students if your school doesn’t offer an AP® course in a corresponding CLEP exam subject, you’re looking for more opportunities to earn college credit, and/or you want to reduce the cost of college.
CLEP offers 34 exam subjects, including Spanish, college composition, mathematics, and more.
CLEP has no class requirements or set testing dates and is available year-round at more than 2,000 CLEP test centers nationwide and via remote proctoring.
Students can prepare using free/affordable online study resources and from knowledge gained through advanced/honors coursework.
International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB program is a rigorous worldwide course for high school students. It includes six subject areas, core elements, and written exams. Students need at least 24 points to get the IB diploma and complete the core. Many universities offer college credit for IB program completion. Credit received is based on individual subject area exam scores. Achieving an IB diploma makes a student eligible for college credit, regardless of scores on individual subject-level tests. It’s important to know your university’s requirements for the transfer of IB exam credits.
Dual credit programs such as Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) have gained significant popularity in high schools nationwide. These programs offer a unique opportunity for students to earn college credits while still in high school. The main objective of these programs is to provide a pathway to higher education for underrepresented populations, but they are open to all students. Through these programs, students can take college-level courses that are both challenging and rewarding, giving them a head start in their college education.
Here are some important points to remember about dual credit:
- To enroll in most dual credit classes offered by ECHS or P-TECH, you must achieve a qualifying score on the TSI college placement test. This is crucial for your success in the program and earning college credits
- High school graduation requirements and college graduation requirements may differ. You may take a few courses for dual credit that count towards only one of your diplomas. For example, the Texas Government is required for an Associate of Arts degree but not for high school graduation.
- Similarly, not all classes you take for an associate’s degree may apply to the bachelor’s program you end up doing. However, you will be better prepared for your continuing education and have extra credits if you need them for elective hours.
